Chrome lets you block third-party cookies entirely, or choose which sites can store them
The fastest way to stop most tracking cookies is to turn on Chrome's default setting that blocks third-party cookies. These are the cookies that follow you across websites — the ones data brokers use to build profiles on you. You can do this in Chrome's settings in under a minute, and most websites will still work normally.
If you want more control, you can also block all cookies, allow cookies only from sites you visit directly, or manage cookies site by site. The trade-off is that some websites may not work as smoothly, or you may have to log in more often. The sections below show you exactly where to find each option and what each one does.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome's default setting blocks third-party cookies, which are the main tool data brokers use to track you across websites.
- You can turn on third-party cookie blocking in Chrome Settings under Privacy and Security, then Cookies and Other Site Data.
- Blocking all cookies stops tracking completely but may break login features and shopping carts on some websites.
- You can allow cookies from specific websites while blocking them everywhere else, giving you control over which sites you trust.
- Clearing your cookies regularly removes the tracking data Chrome has already stored from your browsing history.
Where to find the cookie settings in Chrome
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings. On the left side, click Privacy and Security, then click Cookies and Other Site Data.
You will see several options listed under "General Settings". The one you choose here controls what Chrome does with cookies by default. Below that section, you can add specific websites to allow or block, overriding your general choice for just those sites.
Block third-party cookies (the fastest option)
Under "General Settings", select "Block third-party cookies". This is Chrome's recommended setting and stops the cookies that follow you across the web. Most websites will work normally because they use first-party cookies — cookies that only that website sets — to remember you and keep you logged in.
Third-party cookies are set by advertisers, analytics companies, and data brokers embedded in websites you visit. Blocking them means these companies cannot track your movement from site to site. You will still see ads, but they will be less targeted to your browsing history.
Block all cookies (the strictest option)
If you want to stop all cookie storage, select "Block all cookies" in the same menu. This prevents any website from storing cookies on your device, including the ones that keep you logged in and remember your preferences.
The downside is that many websites will not work smoothly. You may have to log in every time you visit, shopping carts may empty, and some pages may not display correctly. If you choose this option, you can still allow cookies from specific websites you trust by adding them to the "Sites that can always use cookies" list below.
Allow cookies only from sites you visit directly
Select "Allow all cookies" if you want the most open setting, or "Block third-party cookies" if you want the middle ground. But if you want to be more selective, you can use the "Sites that can always use cookies" and "Sites that never can use cookies" lists to control which websites can store cookies.
Add a website to "Sites that can always use cookies" by typing its address (for example, gmail.com) and clicking Add. Add a website to "Sites that never can use cookies" the same way. These rules override your general setting for just those sites, so you can block cookies everywhere except the few websites you trust.
Clear cookies you have already stored
Blocking cookies going forward does not remove the cookies Chrome has already stored. To delete those, click the three vertical dots, select Settings, then Privacy and Security. Click "Clear Browsing Data".
A window will open. Make sure "Cookies and Other Site Data" is checked. At the top, select "All Time" to delete all stored cookies, or pick a specific date range. Click Clear Data. Chrome will remove all the cookies from that time period, erasing the tracking data websites and data brokers have already collected about you.
What happens when you block cookies
When you block third-party cookies, you will notice almost no difference on most websites. You will stay logged in, your preferences will be remembered, and websites will load normally. The main change is invisible: advertisers and data brokers will have a much harder time following your activity across different sites.
Some older websites or services may not work as smoothly. If you run into a website that does not function properly, you can add it to your "Sites that can always use cookies" list temporarily to test whether cookies are the problem. If it works after you allow cookies, you can decide whether to keep that exception or find an alternative service.
Combining cookie blocking with other privacy steps
Blocking cookies in Chrome is one part of limiting what data brokers can collect about you. It stops them from tracking your web activity, but it does not remove information they already have. If you arrived here from the data broker removal guide, the next step is to contact the brokers directly and ask them to delete your information.
You can also use Chrome's "Do Not Track" setting, which sends a signal to websites asking them not to track you (though not all websites honor it). Go to Settings, Privacy and Security, and toggle "Send a 'Do Not Track' request with your browsing traffic" to on. Combined with cookie blocking, this gives you multiple layers of protection against tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will blocking cookies break my email or banking websites?
No. Gmail, Outlook, and banking websites use first-party cookies to keep you logged in. These are not blocked by the third-party cookie setting. If you block all cookies instead, you may have to log in more often, but you can add these sites to your "Sites that can always use cookies" list to prevent that.
Do I have to block cookies to remove my information from data brokers?
No. Blocking cookies stops data brokers from tracking you going forward, but it does not remove information they already collected. You still need to contact each broker separately and ask them to delete your data. Blocking cookies and removing old data are two separate steps that work together.
What is the difference between first-party and third-party cookies?
A first-party cookie is set by the website you are visiting and only that website can read it. A third-party cookie is set by a different company — usually an advertiser or data broker — embedded in the website. Third-party cookies follow you across multiple websites and are the main tool used to build tracking profiles.
If I block all cookies, can I still use Chrome to shop online?
You can, but it will be inconvenient. Your shopping cart may empty when you leave the site, and you will have to log in every time. A better approach is to block third-party cookies (the default) and add your favorite shopping sites to your "Sites that can always use cookies" list so they work smoothly while you block tracking elsewhere.
Does blocking cookies in Chrome also block them in other browsers?
No. Each browser has its own settings. If you use Firefox, Safari, or Edge, you need to change the cookie settings in each one separately. Each browser stores cookies independently, so blocking cookies in Chrome does not affect what Firefox collects.